Abstract: A data processing system is disclosed for accessing databases and updated data items and triggering event notifications. The data processing system may comprise a first database including a plurality of records, and a second database including a plurality of trigger indicators. The database system may further include a hardware processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions in order to: receive an update data item; identify a record corresponding to the update data item; cause an update to the record based on information included with the update data item; identify a trigger indicator corresponding to the update to the record; determine that a type of the trigger indicator matches a type of the update to the record; and generate an event notification including information included in the update.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods concerning routing of calls in an IPBX server are disclosed. A first processing circuit is communicatively coupled to an IPBX server that routes VoIP calls for a plurality of end-users having respective VoIP-enabled devices and generates call event messages for the routed calls. The first processing circuit generates call summary metrics from the call event messages. A second processing circuit evaluates the call summary metrics to identify a set of incoming calls to the IPBX that were missed and have not been returned by the end-users. The second processing circuit cross-correlates the identified set of incoming calls with a secondary data source to determine a respective priorities for the set of incoming calls. The second processing circuit stores data indicating calls of the identified set have a higher priority.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data in a communication system. First encapsulated data is received at a first node, and second encapsulated data associated with the first encapsulated data is generated at the first node. The first encapsulated data and the second encapsulated data are transmitted independently to one or more further nodes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for generating a phone bill, which is applied to a charging system in the communication field, wherein the method comprises a preprocessing process and a process of combining phone bills, wherein in the preprocessing process, the charging system uses multiple threads for preprocessing a plurality of service logs simultaneously, and each service log is preprocessed to generate one or more intermediate phone bills, wherein information in the service log is converted into information required for the intermediate phone bills when performing preprocessing, and a single thread is used for processing in the process of combining phone bills to generate required phone bills one by one, and during each process of generating a phone bill, the charging system collects and combines the intermediate phone bills required for generating present phone bill, accomplishes encoding record serial numbers and file serial numbers, and generates one phone bill.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly flexible system that can receive SMDR messages in many different formats and process these messages to produce useful reports and control information. The system can collect data via a LAN/WAN connection from PBX systems with internal data storage, PBX systems without internal data storage and legacy PBX systems that are connected to a buffer for storage of SMDR records.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a subscriber line interface circuit includes circuitry to generate metering pulses for insertion onto a subscriber line. The circuitry includes an audio path and a pulse metering path, where the pulse metering path includes a metering generator to generate a digital sine wave from a plurality of stored values, a first interpolator to interpolate the digital sine wave, a filter to filter the interpolated digital sine wave, and a second interpolator to interpolate the filtered interpolated digital sine wave.

Abstract: A system and method provide for adaptively monitoring and reporting pulse train characteristics. In one embodiment a DSP operating within a voice media gateway (VMG) is initialized with signal processing criteria, at least one control parameter and, optionally, one or more pulse train characteristic indicators for indicating pulse train characteristics to be determined or reported in accordance with the control parameter or parameters.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention facilitates efficient metering in a packet network environment by providing a single metering message, which contains sufficient information to provide the complete call tariff model for a particular call. The media gateway receiving the message can analyze the information provided in the message to determine how to provide metering pulses for all phases of the call, as well as any one-time charges, such as setup and add-on charges. Another embodiment of the invention provides a way for handling fractional pulse counts in an efficient manner. Yet another embodiment facilitates the handling of situations where charge intervals do not divide evenly into the phase duration of the phase associated with the call. In still another embodiment, the amount of information necessary to deliver the parameters of the call tariff model is minimized to reduce the overhead necessary for facilitating the metering process.

Abstract: A method for realizing charging includes setting up mapping relation between service attribute and charging rule acquiring service attribute of the to-be-charged service when it is demanded to charge the to-be-charged service acquiring charging rule of the to-be-charged service according to service attribute of the to-be-charged service, and charging the to-be-charged service according to the acquired charging rule. Also disclosed is a charging system having an acquiring charging rule module and charging processing module. When it is demanded to develop new services or modify charging rules of original services, it can be fulfilled by modifying the service information provided for charging processing module accordingly, thus charging requirements of various services can be satisfied. Charging processing module of charging system is independent of services, so that cost of charging system is reduced, and stability, reliability and versatility of charging system are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for notifying a primary wireless unit in a group calling plan that a wireless unit in the group calling plan has call activity. An MSC determines if there is call activity on a wireless phone. The MSC determines if the wireless phone is a member of a call monitoring group. If so, the MSC records call information related to the call activity and sends the call information to the primary wireless unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: A service selection gateway (SSG) which receives data indicating tariff switching points, and sends accounting records enabling accurate computation of traffic volumes in each switching duration is described. In one embodiment, a counter value indicating the traffic volume for each tariff duration is sent. In an alternative embodiment, at least one accounting record containing two counters is sent in each duration, with one counter indicating an aggregate count of traffic volume (e.g., since the subscriber started a session) and another counter containing a marginal (or incremental) value since a switching point. Such an accounting record can be sent at any time point in a tariff duration, and the traffic volume in each tariff duration can be computed accurately.

Abstract: Overhead voltage is allocated in a telecommunication system among different AC signals, such as POTS, on-hook transmission POTS, PPM and XDSL signals, communicated between a telephonic switch and a user device. The allocation is based on the available overhead voltage, the condition, such as impedance, of the line carrying communications to the user, and which of the signals are to be communicated.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting charging signals on a data transmission path having a line impedance includes a driver device for setting a line voltage level that corresponds to the line impedance. The driver device is configured to provide, in response to a driver input voltage level, a driver output current and a driver output voltage level. A current detection unit provides a current signal indicative of the driver output current and a current signal matching unit receives the current signal from the current detection unit and adjusts a level of the current signal for further processing by a filter device and by a regulation device. A matching filter unit then matches the driver device to a data transmission path unit.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for metering pulse recognition includes an A/D converter that receives a signal containing metering pulses, and a digital comparator circuit for comparing the output signal from the A/D converter with a reference value. A detector unit evaluates the output signal from the comparator circuit. This means that an analog comparator can be dispensed with, and the chip area and the development complexity can be reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing the internet on a per-time basis, through an Internet service provider (ISP), includes an access station. Application software is provided to an electronic terminal, from which Internet access may be attempted. Upon initiation of the application, the access station is dialed, and a number of processing steps serve as a precondition to permitting the electronic terminal to access the Internet through the Internet service provider. In particular, upon an initial attempt to access the Internet, the access station sets up an account in which the telephone number from which access is attempted is utilized for subsequent billing purposes. The access station further determines whether the telephone number from which access is desired is within an acceptable network, is associated with an undesirable credit risk, and is a valid telephone number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a charge ID in Internet ONLY service, generating the charge ID that includes printable characters using a call ID in the IP gateway; the process is simple and resulted charge ID is absolutely unique. Wherein including: configuring the charge ID including 32 printable characters, each of which is represented with 4 binary bits; taking the call ID including 16 characters, each of which is represented with 8 binary bits; corresponding each call ID character with two charge ID characters, wherein the upper four from eight bits of one of the call ID characters referring to 4 binary bits of one of the charge ID characters, the lower four bits corresponding to 4 binary bits of another charge ID character. Because the scope represented by four binary bits is from 0 to 15, the charge ID characters can exactly correspond one by one relationship with printable characters of 0-9 and A-F.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for remote testing of items where the tests are performed at a first site and monitored and controlled at a second site. A first remote test control station at the first site includes a test bench device for testing the items, and a video meeting station for viewing and controlling the test bench device. The second site includes a remote test control station, where the second remote test control station can control the testing parameters of the test equipment used by the test bench device, in near real time. The second remote test control station at the second site and the video meeting station at the first site are connected via both voice/audio links and visual links.

Abstract: An asset/account activation device and method are provided. According to a first preferred method, an asset may be activated by a point of sale device utilizing multiple security mechanisms. Activation codes are sent by secure electronic transmission from an activation host to the activation device. Upon execution of the asset purchase, the activation device dispenses the activation code. Prior thereto, a physical representation of the asset, in the form of a card or the like, has printed thereon an asset ID. To activate the asset, the asset owner contacts a processing device wherein the activation code and asset ID are compared based on time constraints, retailer location constraints and other constraints. Other security checks may be incorporated to include velocity checks. The apparatus of the invention includes an activation host, an activation device, a processing device or VRU, and an activation database.

Abstract: Metering of a data transfer operation between two end systems across a communications infrastructure is done by having at least one of the end systems send a metering message to a service system. Both end systems can be set to send respective metering messages to the service system at the conclusion of the transfer operation. Metering messages can also be sent on an on-going basis during the course of the transfer operation by one or both end systems; in this latter case, the end system or systems involved preferably maintain a connection with the service system throughout the transfer operation. Metering can be in terms of pages sent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for billing and a device thereof and more particularly relates to the method and the device for dividing the monthly charges of each subscriber into a personal-use portion and a business-use portion according to the predetermined criteria and divisionally billing each subscriber for the personal-use portion and the entity that will pay for each subscriber regarding the sum of business-use portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved visualization and measurement system (15). In the preferred embodiment, the visualization system comprises: a video sensor (16) having a range of view (18), a field of view (19), and a video output signal (20), a non-contact instrument (21); having a measurement zone (22) and a measurement output signal (23), the instrument and video sensor being so configured and arranged that the measurement zone is aligned in the field of view; a processor (24) for processing the video output signal and the measurement output signal and for providing a processor output signal (25); a display device (26) for displaying the processor output signal; and a control device (28) for moving the field of view and measurement zone in the range of view.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically determines which communication service plan is the most cost effective for a communication device. The system operates by receiving usage statistics for the communication device, as well as a set of available service plans for the communication device. The system uses the usage statistics to calculate charges for the available service plans in order to determine the most cost-effective service plan, and then communicates results of the determination to an interested party. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system charges the interested party a fee for providing the results of the determination. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system additionally receives a request to switch a current service plan to an alternate service plan, and then switches the current service plan to the alternate service plan.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the identification of termination telephone numbers in a telephone network which are being employed as a data network modem. When a local exchange carrier (LEC) routes a call to another telecommunications network, such as one used by a competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), it may be advantageous for reciprocal compensation purposes to identify which termination telephone numbers serviced by the CLECs are acting as modems. As such, all telephone traffic to a particular CLEC is monitored over a predetermined period of time. The information gathered is then processed and segregated according to terminating telephone number. At that point, comparisons may be made against reference information to determine whether the terminating telephone number is a modem or a non-modem.

Abstract: A system and method for determining charges for use of network service connections. The network includes nodes which facilitate the transfer of information between source and destination locations. When a connection is established with a node, a billing cell is transmitted to the node over the connection which contains billing and connection information. Data cells are transmitted over the same connection subsequent to the billing cell. A terminate billing cell or conventional means may be used to drop the connection when the connection is no longer needed. The node computes the cost of using the connection based on the billing and connection information copied from the billing cell, and may also consider the connection time and the amount of data transferred over the connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an optical retardation film comprising at least one layer of an anisotropic polymer material, to a method of rubbing a substrate for the alignment of liquid crystal or mesogenic material that can be used in the above process, to an optical retardation film obtainable by the above process, to the use of such an optical retardation film in a liquid crystal display, and to a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal cell and such an optical retardation film.

Abstract: A method and system of telephone call processing that provides information to customers while telephone calls are made. Summary information for a customer is stored. A call from the customer is received alt a network switch. The network switch transmits information identifying the customer to a billing analysis system. The billing analysis system transmits the summary information for the customer to the network switch and an audio message based on the summary information is played to the customer.

Abstract: The present method provides a technique for real-time monitoring of charges for using a communication network service, thereby enabling a user to continuously know the charges incurred during each usage. The user also is able to define a charge limit prior to using the service and the usage terminates automatically when the accumulated charge reaches that limit. The present method is particularly adapted to monitoring charges associated with a telephone conference call.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically managing billing information for telecommunications service application use at the service application level rather than at the billing system level. Each service application, such as a call forwarding service application, is programmed with application level data records in which are stored the parameters of a given promotion, such as number of free uses, the start time and stop time of the promotion or rental period, etc. Each time a service application is subsequently used, the customer's use of the service application is logged in a customer data record. The customer's use is then compared to a corresponding application level data record. Based on this comparison, a billing record is provided to the billing system which instructs the billing system to either bill or not to bill the customer for the particular use of the service application.

Abstract: Charging details are produced for customers in response to their use of telecommunications services. Details of call items for a customer are compiled and a plurality of call types (73, 75, 77) are defined. Each call item is identified as belonging to one of these call types and a notional charge is calculated for each item. Notional charges for each item are accumulated and call categories are defined, wherein at least one of said call categories has a discount rate associated therewith. Accumulated call type values are then mapped onto category accumulators in response to customer reference data.

Abstract: The wireless system includes one or more payphones from which users may initiate payphone calls. A mobile switching center connects telephone calls initiated from wireless payphones to external telephone systems such as the public switch telephone network (PSTN). To meter charges incurred during the telephone call within an external system, the external system transmits periodic metering pulses to the mobile switching center. Each pulse is representative of a predetermined amount of money associated with the telephone call. The rate at which the periodic pulses are transmitted to the mobile switching center depends upon the current billing rate and may be affected by, for example, the time of day.

Abstract: A technique for determining call charges for a telephone call in a key telephone system, which when a key telephone subscriber forms a speech path with the central office line subscriber in the key telephone system, checks the call metering during the call time, thereby detecting the call charges. The technique includes: forming a speech path with a central office line receiver by the central office line incoming of a key telephone caller; initializing a metering counter upon forming the speech path; detecting metering pulses from a telephone network, and storing the counted number of metering pulses; upon completion of the telephone call, determining and outputting the call charges; and when the key telephone subscriber is in a metering display mode, displaying the call charges to the key telephone subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control signal generation circuit for telephone charge indicators comprising a capacitor having a first and a second terminals connected to ground through respectively a first and a second switches with the first terminal of the capacitor being also connected through a third switch to a constant current generator which is connected to a positive power supply line with respect to ground. The second terminal of the capacitor is connected to a constant current generator which is connected to a negative power supply line with respect to ground. The first and second terminals are also connected through respectively a first and a second resistance to a circuit node coupled to an output terminal.

Abstract: A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the functions of the telecommunications network, including a method of measuring delay between the time a customer dials a phone number of a called party and the time the customer hears a ringback tone indicating that the called party was alerted to the call, a method of synchronizing clocks located at individual network elements with a centralized time source, and a method of time-of-day clock surveillance.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for generating charge pulses during digital telecommunications is indicated, whereby subscribers (Tln) of a telephone network are connected by cables with an exchange. The subscriber telephones are connected by electric service lines to an interface unit that is connected to the exchange. The interface unit has a digital interface on the exchange side and at least one analog interface on the subscriber side. A generating circuit (3) is located in the interface unit and produces charge pulses as a function of signals transmitted by the exchange, the charge pulses being transmitted to the respective subscriber (Tln). When loop current flows through the electric circuit of each subscriber (Tln) telephone, the interface unit measures an input voltage that is proportional to the length of the service line. The thus gained voltage value is used to adjust the voltage level of the charge pulses produced by the generating circuit (3).

Abstract: In an automatic message accounting (AMA) record distribution network, a method and system for sorting AMA records by using an area code or numbering plan area (NPA) data array and directory number bit maps to identify AMA records which are of interest to an operation center. Operation centers have access to every AMA record generated by a toll switching network and are initialized with a table of AMA structure and call-type codes, an NPA data array and directory number bit maps. NPA entries in the data array which are of interest to a particular operation center contain pointers (i.e., memory address locations) of the directory number bit maps. As AMA records are received by the operation center, directory numbers which have NPAs of interest to the operation center are compared to directory number bit maps. A directory number of an AMA record which corresponds to a numbered bit position of the directory number bit map is processed by the operation center.

Abstract: A device for detecting an operation state of a telephone hook switch in a telephone includes a timer, a controlling circuit, a counter and a table electrically interconnected. According to the present invention, the abnormal signals generated by the hook switch cannot be accepted by an exchange or even if the signals are accepted by the exchanger, the mute function of the telephone will be utilized to make the users unable to listen to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the magnitude of a metering signal used in a communication system includes a high pass filter and a threshold detector. The apparatus is preferably integrated on to a subscriber line audio-processing circuit (SLAC device) which is used on a line card. The device is operable with either 12 kHz of 16 kHz metering signals. The high pass filter preferably includes a shift register and an adder. The level detector preferably includes a shift register, an OR gate and an AND gate. The device preferably is utilized to reduce the echo or reflection caused by the variable impedance of subscriber lines in telephone communication systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing monetary value data representative of a prepaid e.g. deposited in a centralized storage device, amount of monetary value available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: A circuit (4) for generating metering pulses (P) includes a multiplier circuit (MULT), a bandpass filter (BF), a comparison circuit (COMP) and a ramp signal generator (RAMP). A current (IC) from the ramp signal generator is multiplied (MULT) by an alternating voltage (VTXX) such as to form the metering pulse (P), which is transmitted, together with a speech signal (SP), to a subscriber (1) for registration. The output voltage (UF) of the bandpass filter (BF) is compared with a reference voltage (UR) in the comparison circuit (COMP). The output (9a) of the comparison circuit is electrically conductive only when the filter voltage (UF) exceeds the reference voltage (UR). When control signals (D) open a switch (SW), a capacitor (C1) is charged by a first current generator (10). The capacitor voltage (VC) incresases linearly and controls proportionally the current (IC) of the ramp signal generator (RAMP).

Abstract: A data communication system and apparatus performs data communication by using a public telephone line network. This apparatus includes: a data transmitter to transmit data to a communication partner equipment through a line; a detector to detect accounting pulses obtained from the line; a controller to control the data transmitter so as to interrupt the data transmission when the accounting pulse is detected by the detector; and an image reader to read an image. The data transmitter transmits the read image data which is read by the reader or the data which is input by a key input device. The detector detects the inversion of the polarity of the line, thereby detecting the arrival of the accounting pulse. According to the data communication apparatus, data transmission of a high reliability can be performed at a high speed while minimizing the generation of errors without being influenced by the noise electric power generated during the inverting operation of the polarity of the pulse on the line.

Abstract: For subscriber termination circuits of a digital time multiplex telecommunications system comprised in a group, an injection circuit is provided, individual to a group. The injection circuit comprises a switch exhibiting a gradual change of state both in switching on and switching off for providing timing for meter pulses provided by a meter pulse generator. The meter pulses are applied to the individual subscriber termination lines in a multiplex manner by way of contacts as well as test relays already present.

Abstract: A telephone circuit which may be monolithically integrated for generating control signals for displaying the telephone charges to a subscriber is coupled to an AC voltage signal generator of having a predetermined amplitude and frequency which are constant over time. The circuit includes a voltage generator for generating signals which are spaced over time and have a trapezoidal pulse waveshape. A multiplier circuit calculates the product of the signals supplied from the two voltage generators and supplies a signal which is sent to the speech circuit of the subscriber's line and is added to the speech signals. The trapezoidal pulse generator has a capacitor which is charged and discharged by a voltage to current converter of a non-linear type which is driven by exchange control components. The voltage across this capacitor forms the trapezoidal signals supplied by the generator.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for suppressing interference signals on the receiving arm of a subscriber line circuit is constructed from electronic components and thus comprises no speech transformers. The receiving arm of the subscriber line circuit (SLIC) is connected to a two-pole filter circuit (ZF) which consists of the parallel arrangement of a parallel--and a series--resonance circuit (LP,CP and LS,CS), the resonance frequency of which corresponds to the frequency of the signals which are fed-in for the transmission of charge pulses and which charge pulses can manifest themselves as interference signals when reflected without the provision of the described measures.

Abstract: A telephone circuit which may be monolithically integrated, for generating control signals for displaying the telephone charges to a telephone user, is coupled to a AC voltage signal generator having a predetermined amplitude and frequency which are constant over time. The circuit includes a voltage generator for generating voltage signals which are spaced over time and have a trapezoidal pulse waveshape. A multiplier circuit calculates the product of the signals supplied by the two generators and supplies a signal which is sent to the speech circuit of the subscriber's line and is added to the speech (i.e.--conversation) signals. The circuit also includes a circuit for receiving an image signal of the overall signal adapted to the telephone line; a high-pass filter for eliminating the speech signal components from the image signal; a rectifier circuit for rectifying the filtered signal and a comparator for comparing the rectified signal with a reference signal.